SGII snooping a Prius? (best gauges, x-gauges?)

[gone-ot]

OK, I know *how* to use my SGII™, but I am still pretty DUMB about *which* signals to monitor on our Prius.

So, specifically, *which* signals (and *why*) should I be monitoring so as to HELP me achieve higher/better HIGHWAY fuel economy?

So, "...learn me..." -- please!

[Vman455]

I usually have on instant MPG, average MPG, throttle position (TPS), and battery state of charge (X-gauge). Throttle position is useful because, at highway speeds, if you pull back to TPS 19 or so the engine and motor go into a super-fuel-economy mode with just a gradual decrease in speed depending on wind and terrain. Around town, the HSI is all you need to pulse and glide, but having SOC displayed helps you make sure the battery stays above 50%, under which the engine will run to charge it.

[MetroMPG]

Tele: I've also heard some people program the x-gauge to watch amperage to/from the battery because it helps to learn maximizing regen under braking without engaging the friction brakes.

Maybe Tim (daox) can chime in.

[Daox]

Yeah, the ammeter is a nice one, but I think its a little less useful with the 3rd gens. I believe they have a 'regen' meter on the dash if I'm not mistaken? Anyway, that can show you how much braking you can do without starting to use the friction brakes which is a good thing in city and highway driving. The other ones I use are RPM since there is no tach and I like to accelerate at optimum rates. I also use coolant temp so I know when I can start doing P&G and having the engine shut off, and to help speed through the warm up stages. Lastly, I use GPS (instead of TPS) which is the gas pedal position. This helps P&G without using electric assist (which drains your pack, and then forces the engine to run, which is another use of the ammeter too), and driving like Vman noted.